As a young Black boy, Emmett Till knew visiting the deep South in 1955 was dangerous, but nothing, even his mother’s insight, could have warned him for what he would be faced with. In August of 1955, the enthusiastic 14-year-old kissed his mom, boarded the train, and waved goodbye to Chicago one last time before heading to the small town of Money, Mississippi.

After a week of bike-riding, exploring, and spending time with his cousins, Emmett spent an afternoon on the porch of a small-town country store playing checkers and innocently whistling at a White woman, which ultimately cost him his life. The next day, Emmett was kidnapped, horrifically tortured and thrown in the Tallahatchie River by a group of White men, not being found for three incredibly long days.

Exhibit at Emmett Museum

In the days, weeks, months, and years since, the blatant act of racism has served as a catalyst in the Civil Rights Movement and has consistently reminded people of the ugliness that plagues the country. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has brought a new perspective to the unjust case with their brand-new attraction, Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See.

Through interactive storytelling and self-reflective activities, the informative showcase offers guests ages 10+ the opportunity to brainstorm on how they can be a changemaker and stand up for Racial Justice in their own communities. With the help of authentic artifacts, such as the JET Magazine content revealing Emmett’s battered face, one of the many damaged historical markers, and exclusive courtroom sketches, visitors can explore this pertinent and powerful story either in-person or virtually on the museum’s website.

Emmett Museum

The Till family, the Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley Institute, and the Emmett Till Interpretive Center are dedicated to preserving the memory of Emmett and through continuous conversation around the country, this can be made possible. After Let the World See wraps up in Indianapolis on October 30, the travelling exhibition will be headed to six additional museums before residing permanently at the Emmett Till Interpretative Center in Sumner, Mississippi. See it for yourself before it’s gone and challenge yourself to Make a Ripple.